Adobe vs Qualtrics

Google AI Overviews for Brands Include Third-Party Sources

Google's AI Overviews increasingly appear for brand-related search queries, providing visibility but also risks. A recent Ahrefs analysis shows that in September, 73.3% of branded searches in the US triggered AI Overviews on desktop, up from 61.3% in July. These overviews often cite third-party sources like Wikipedia, YouTube, and LinkedIn, not just the brand's own content. This can lead to misinformation or negative portrayals, and Google may be liable for false statements, as a German court ruling indicated. Brands and SEOs must manage their reputation across third-party sources, as clicks from AI Overviews can benefit not only the brand but also publishers and creators.

• Google's AI Overviews appear for 73.3% of branded searches on US desktop in September, up from 61.3% in July.
• AI Overviews for brands often cite third-party sources like Wikipedia, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Google introduced a brand filter in Search Console to help SEOs analyze brand-related queries.

AI Traffic Doubles, Boosting Holiday Retail Engagement

Adobe's annual holiday shopping forecast predicts AI-driven traffic to US retail sites will more than double (up 130% YoY) this holiday season. A complementary survey of 5,000 US consumers found that AI-referred shoppers add items to carts at a 32% higher rate, and 43% generate more revenue per visit than non-AI traffic, reversing a previous trend. Over 75% of AI-assistant users feel more confident in purchases, and over two-thirds are less likely to return items. Experts advise brands to design for both human and AI-agent customers, as AI tools increasingly serve as discovery and referral channels.

• Adobe predicts AI traffic to US retail sites will increase 130% year-over-year during the holiday season.
• AI-referred consumers add items to carts at a 32% higher rate than non-AI traffic.
• 43% of AI-referred visits generate more revenue per visit compared to non-AI traffic.

Introducing interactive editing controls for the Adobe plugin in ChatGPT

Adobe announces new interactive editing controls for its plugin in ChatGPT, following its expansion to Gemini and Claude.

Zendesk Names Rachita Sundar as CFO

Zendesk announced the appointment of Rachita Sundar as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 28, 2026. Sundar, who brings over 20 years of experience in finance and operations at technology companies including Microsoft Azure, HubSpot, and Qualtrics, succeeds Julie Swinney, who transitions to Chief Administrative Officer and executive sponsor of Zendesk's Employee Service business. At Qualtrics, Sundar helped finance and close the $6.75 billion acquisition of Press Ganey Forsta. CEO Tom Eggemeier highlighted her financial rigor and operational expertise as Zendesk scales toward a multi-billion-dollar AI business.

• Rachita Sundar appointed CFO of Zendesk, effective September 28, 2026.
• Sundar has over 20 years of experience at Microsoft Azure, HubSpot, and Qualtrics.
• At Qualtrics, Sundar helped finance and close the $6.75 billion acquisition of Press Ganey Forsta.

Consumers Trust AI Advice but Not AI Purchases

A survey by ACI Worldwide of over 3,300 U.S. and U.K. consumers reveals that only 7% of fashion shoppers would allow an AI assistant to make purchases without approval, while 53% are uncomfortable with AI making purchases on their behalf. Consumers value AI for tasks like price drop alerts and cross-retailer comparisons, but want to retain control over final purchase decisions. The article highlights that retailers can build loyalty by embedding AI assistants in their apps for order tracking, returns, and promotions. Privacy concerns remain significant, with 53% of global consumers worried about AI-enabled support posing privacy risks, according to Qualtrics XM Institute. Experts suggest framing AI as a 'better editor' that narrows options rather than a decision-maker, emphasizing the importance of trust and transparency.

• Only 7% of fashion shoppers would allow an AI assistant to make purchases without approval.
• 53% of consumers are uncomfortable with letting an AI assistant make purchases on their behalf.
• The survey was conducted by ACI Worldwide with over 3,300 U.S. and U.K. consumers.